New core 2 duo machine - 64 or 32 bit vista install?

gizmo1990 · 22 Apr 2007 at 14:35

This is probably gonna sound incredibly stupid but I'm unsure so here goes. I've just brought a new shuttle with a core 2 duo e6600. I've also got a copy of Vista Ultimate.

Should I be installing the 64 or 32 bit version as I'm under the impression that the core 2 duo is 64 bit capable? :confused:

I was under the impression that a lot of old software wouldn't work on 64 bit OS's but maybe this has changed now?

I'm mainly using my pc for graphics based work (ps, 3d apps) and a few games. So for instance would I even be able to install my version of pshop cs2 on vista 64 bit?

Any help appreciated.

gareth170 · 22 Apr 2007 at 14:42

16bit programs won't run on 64bit OS's.. your cpu is 64bit capable... most 32bit programs will run on 64bit OS

gizmo1990 · 22 Apr 2007 at 14:59

Thanks for the reply gareth170. So I should just go ahead and install the 64 bit version?

gareth170 · 22 Apr 2007 at 15:03

gizmo1990 said:
Thanks for the reply gareth170. So I should just go ahead and install the 64 bit version?

if u have all your 64bit drivers and have no 16bit software then yes

Durzel · 22 Apr 2007 at 17:33

In my experience 64bit drivers aren't a problem now as they were for XP64, though you'd probably want to check that all of your Shuttle drivers have 64bit versions.

64bit Vista enforces driver signing which broadly speaking means its a pain in the ass to get ATITool, etc (anything where the author hasn't paid Verisign $500 for a yearly certificate licence) to work.

If you're likely to want to upgrade to more than 2GB in the future without reinstalling them 64bit is your only option really. Is the Shuttle a gaming PC for you?

gizmo1990 · 22 Apr 2007 at 18:08

Thanks for the replies guys.

Durzel, the shuttle will get some gaming useage but not heavily. Mostly it will be used for graphics work.

I didn't know 64 bit vista enforces driver signing. That makes me have second thoughts about installing it now. :confused:

I think I may just go with the 32bit version for now just in case I get loads of hassle.

FirebarUK · 22 Apr 2007 at 18:15

You can disable driver signing though if required.

gizmo1990 · 22 Apr 2007 at 18:39

FirebarUK said:
You can disable driver signing though if required.

Gah! Which to go for!?

FirebarUK · 22 Apr 2007 at 18:42

You should be going for 64bit tbh, there is no reason not to.

gizmo1990 · 5 May 2007 at 19:59

FirebarUK said:
You can disable driver signing though if required.

Righto I went ahead and installed vista 64 bit. I've now run into the problem of vista enforcing driver signing!

So... how do I turn this off?

phi1 · 5 May 2007 at 20:05

Press F8 when booting and then choice not to.. But you have to do this everytime... Well i have so far :S

NathanE · 5 May 2007 at 20:11

Driver signing shouldn't and can't be easily turned off permanently.

It's probably wiser to download Vista compatible drivers and the latest versions of all your software. Most software that have kernel mode components have been updated in the past few months to use signed drivers.

What are you trying to install that doesn't have a signed driver? People here may be able to help or suggest an alternative.

gizmo1990 · 6 May 2007 at 15:44

Thanks for the replies.

I'm trying to install my version of Maya 7. Its using a program called Aladdin which I think deals with my registration details.

This Aladdin driver included on my install cd is old and hence not certified for vista.

I've tried looking for support from Autodesk but its very hard to contact them if your not a member of their silver or gold support. I've also tried their discussion forums but no one seems to answer my questions. :mad:

Anyone any ideas?

Uhtred · 6 May 2007 at 16:05

are you going to use media center on your shuttle? my movies plugin won't work in x64. Minor point to watch out for